For the first time in China’s modern history, the national legislature has introduced a “debt ceiling” for local government debt, setting it at 16 trillion yuan (more than $2.5 trillion) for this year.

http://www.thechinamoneyreport.com/2015/08/31/16-trillion-yuan-debt-ceiling-set-for-l/

For the first time in China’s modern history, the national legislature has introduced a “debt ceiling” for local government debt, setting it at 16 trillion yuan (more than $2.5 trillion) for this year.
This decision was made on Saturday when the National People’s Congress Standing Committee approved a motion proposed by the State Council, or Cabinet.
Observers say this may be the first move by the central government to set a quota system for the debt that is allowed for the governments of all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.
China’s new Budget Law, which took effect this year, also allows local governments to raise part of their funds for development purposes through the issuance of local bonds. But the size of such issuances is subject to NPC approval.
According to Lou Jiwei, the minister of finance, the NPC’s decision makes clear that local debts can never exceed 100 percent of a local economy’s wealth-generating capability?as measured by their fiscal revenue.